The Cypress Shrine Center is trying to go green by installing solar panels to offset their energy costs.
Representatives for Monolith Solar sent the application in to the Bethlehem Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday, Aug. 6. The Cypress Shrine Center is located at 27 Hannay Lane in Glenmont.
The hope is to install both ground- and roof-mounted solar panels, but the project would need a variance because it would not meet front yard set-back requirements.
“The customer is trying to go green and save money at the same time by utilizing their land for solar power,” said Bruce Soloyan of Monolith Solar on behalf of the owners. “I believe this (difficulty) would be self-created, but would not harm or hinder the community or neighbors.”
The plan calls for 88 panels to be placed on the roof and 122 to be mounted on the ground. Those mounted on the ground would be installed at the front of the property’s 17.3 acres of land. Soloyan said the front had to be used because of the parking lot in the back of the property and the grade of the land to the side.
“The project will not take up much space of the owner’s property but will offset the electricity by a substantial amount,” Soloyan said.
The owners and Monolith Solar said the panels will not be in the immediate view of neighbors.
The public hearing for the project was set for Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. A short presentation by Monolith Solar will precede the public hearing.
